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The latest Ghana politics coverage in one place: government and parliament, elections, policy, and the people shaping national life. Stories are curated from Ghana's leading newsrooms and refreshed through the day, newest first.

NDC Leadership Highlights Social Inclusion While Savelugu Branch Condemns Jomoro MP’s Alleged Pro-NPP Comments
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NDC Leadership Highlights Social Inclusion While Savelugu Branch Condemns Jomoro MP’s Alleged Pro-NPP Comments

Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has issued a powerful call for a stronger national commitment to social inclusion, emphasizing that Ghana’s development must be measured by the opportunities afforded to every child, regardless of their physical or cognitive abilities. Speaking at the New Horizon Special School’s annual Fun Day and Games in Accra, she argued that true national progress is only possible when the potential of all citizens is recognized and nurtured. She urged stakeholders to move beyond mere policy frameworks toward practical support that ensures children with special needs can thrive in a secure and compassionate learning environment. During her visit, Professor Opoku-Agyemang praised the resilience and talents of the pupils participating in various sporting activities. In a gesture of solidarity, she donated hygiene supplies to the institution and participated in a ceremony where all pupils were declared winners and awarded gold medals to foster a spirit of unity. The management of the New Horizon Special School expressed profound gratitude for the visit, describing it as a significant affirmation of the importance of inclusion within Ghanaian society and a necessary step toward building an equitable nation. However, while the party’s high-level leadership focuses on social advocacy, internal tensions have surfaced at the constituency level. The Savelugu leadership of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has publicly condemned the Member of Parliament for Jomoro, Dorcas Affo-Toffey, for what they describe as anti-party conduct. The friction arose following a project launch where Affo-Toffey allegedly remarked that NPP MP Hajia Fatahiya Abdul-Aziz 'deserves a second chance,' a comment the Savelugu executives claim undermines the NDC’s electoral prospects for the 2028 cycle. The executives further accused the Jomoro MP of providing financial support to the NPP MP’s foundation, which they view as a betrayal of party loyalty. In a stern reaction, the Savelugu NDC leadership has demanded an official apology from Affo-Toffey and a financial contribution to the local party office as a form of restitution. They have also called for formal disciplinary action, citing past grievances with the NPP incumbent as the context for their heightened sensitivity. These dual developments illustrate the current complexity within the NDC, as the party balances its national agenda of social equity and inclusion with the rigorous demands of internal discipline and grassroots loyalty ahead of future electoral contests.

Government Intensifies Policy Enforcement: Revenue Protection, Rural Healthcare Accountability, and Service Reforms Take Center Stage
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Government Intensifies Policy Enforcement: Revenue Protection, Rural Healthcare Accountability, and Service Reforms Take Center Stage

In a series of decisive moves aimed at safeguarding national revenue and improving public service delivery, the Government of Ghana has implemented several high-profile policy directives across multiple sectors. Central to these efforts is a comprehensive ban on the land transit of cooking oil, a directive issued by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson. The measure, which mandates that all cooking oil consignments be processed exclusively through seaports, comes after the interception of 18 trucks suspected of participating in transit diversion schemes. These fraudulent activities reportedly caused potential revenue losses to skyrocket from an initial estimate of GH¢2.6 million to over GH¢85 million. By routing shipments through seaports, the government aims to enhance tracking and eliminate the customs loopholes that have long undermined local producers and depleted the state's coffers. Simultaneously, the Ministry of Health has adopted a zero-tolerance approach toward medical professionals who decline postings to rural and underserved regions. Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has issued a stern ultimatum, stating that any newly recruited medical doctors who fail to report to their assigned districts will be summarily removed from the government payroll by February 28, 2026. This directive underscores the administration's commitment to achieving equitable healthcare access across the country, particularly in deprived areas where doctor-to-patient ratios remain critically low. The Ministry emphasized that strict monitoring will be in place to ensure that taxpayer-funded salaries are only paid to those serving the communities to which they were assigned. Complementing these enforcement measures are significant reforms in public service accessibility and energy stability. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has launched an expansion of its service centres, most recently with the inauguration of a premium centre in Bantama. CEO Julius Neequaye Kotey highlighted that this Public-Private Partnership initiative is specifically designed to eliminate "goro boys" (middlemen) and streamline processes through modern technology. Meanwhile, the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) has moved to stabilize public sentiment regarding energy supplies. Despite "alarmist" media reports of an impending Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) shortage, the NPA assured the public of more than a month's worth of reserves, while acknowledging ongoing dialogues with private oil chambers over the transparent allocation of LPG Fund resources. Together, these developments reflect a broader political strategy focused on administrative transparency and fiscal discipline. Whether through the crackdown on customs complicity in the cooking oil trade or the enforcement of rural service for healthcare workers, the government is signaling a shift toward more rigorous oversight. These interventions are expected to not only protect the national economy from revenue leakages but also to ensure that essential services—from road safety to healthcare—are delivered efficiently and fairly to all Ghanaian citizens.

Accountability and Reform: Former NSA Boss Faces New Charges as Activists Push for Cannabis Amnesty
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Accountability and Reform: Former NSA Boss Faces New Charges as Activists Push for Cannabis Amnesty

Ghana’s political and legal landscape is currently being shaped by two significant developments: a high-profile corruption case involving the National Service Authority (NSA) and a growing movement for restorative justice following shifts in national cannabis policy. In the capital, former NSA Executive Director Osei Assibey Antwi is facing intensified legal scrutiny over a massive 'ghost names' scandal that allegedly drained over half a billion Ghana Cedis from state coffers. Simultaneously, the Economic Fighters League (EFL) has launched a vigorous campaign for the judicial review of past cannabis convictions, arguing that the country's move toward a regulated market must be accompanied by justice for those harmed by previous prohibition laws. The case against Osei Assibey Antwi took a sharp turn on February 17, 2026, when State Prosecutors informed the High Court in Accra that a fresh Auditor-General’s report necessitated an amendment to his charge sheet. Antwi is currently facing 14 counts related to the misappropriation of GH"500.86 million, a sum linked to the authorization of payments to more than 60,000 ghost national service personnel between August 2021 and February 2025. While the former NSA boss has pleaded not guilty, the court has set strict bail conditions at GH"623 million, reflecting the gravity of the alleged financial crimes. The proceedings are scheduled to continue on February 25 as the updated charges are finalized. In a separate but equally consequential development, the Economic Fighters League is demanding immediate amnesty for individuals previously convicted of cannabis-related offenses. This call follows a pivotal policy shift by the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) to end the total prohibition of cannabis in favor of a regulated framework. The EFL argues that the previous legal regime disproportionately harmed the working class and that true reformation requires a 'Justice Trigger' to rehabilitate those impacted by outdated laws. They emphasize that the transition to a legal cannabis economy must prioritize the inclusion of traditional small-holder farmers rather than allowing the industry to fall under 'elite capture.' These concurrent stories highlight a broader national dialogue regarding accountability and economic inclusion. On one hand, the state is making efforts to recover massive losses in the public sector through the prosecution of high-ranking officials. On the other, social activists are pressuring the government to ensure that legislative changes—particularly those regarding the cannabis trade—correct historical injustices and provide equitable opportunities for marginalized communities. As both the NSA trial and the cannabis policy rollout progress, they will serve as key indicators of the government’s commitment to transparency and social equity in Ghana's evolving political climate.

Tensions Rise in Ghana’s Cocoa Belt as Price Cuts and Stalled Pension Scheme Spark Political Clashes
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Tensions Rise in Ghana’s Cocoa Belt as Price Cuts and Stalled Pension Scheme Spark Political Clashes

The Ghanaian cocoa sector has been thrust into a heated political and social debate following a sharp reduction in producer prices and growing concerns over the future of the Cocoa Farmers Pension Scheme (CFPS). In February 2026, Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga dismissed a series of protests across the Western North Region as "political theatre," arguing that the demonstrations in Sefwi Wiawso, Juaboso, and Bia West were orchestrated by partisans rather than genuine farmers. This dismissal comes as the government slashed cocoa producer prices from GH¢3,625 to GH¢2,587 per bag, a move farmers have labeled a "death sentence" amid soaring production costs and economic instability. Speaking in Parliament, Ayariga defended the price adjustments, citing the heavy debt burden inherited by the Ghana Cocoa Board from the previous administration and the necessity of aligning with fluctuating global market prices. He maintained that the farming community understands these economic realities, despite the visible discontent on the ground. However, the disconnect between the legislative narrative and the reality in the cocoa belt remains stark, as farmers express deep frustration over the sudden loss of income which they claim threatens their very livelihoods and the sustainability of their farms. Simultaneously, the Cocoa Farmers Pension Scheme (CFPS), a landmark initiative introduced in 2020 to provide retirement security for over 100,000 farmers, is reportedly facing significant implementation hurdles. Stakeholders, including Joseph Cudjoe, have raised alarms that the scheme’s momentum has stalled, with operational offices sitting idle and the trust of contributing farmers beginning to erode. The CFPS was designed to rectify historical injustices by allowing farmers to contribute 5% of their income toward a dignified retirement, shifting the industry's focus from mere commodity production to the human welfare of the producers. The current administration is under increasing pressure to sustain and strengthen these social protections rather than allowing them to lapse. Critics argue that neglecting the pension scheme while simultaneously cutting producer prices creates a double burden for the cocoa farmers who have historically financed the nation's infrastructure. As the political rhetoric intensifies, the future of Ghana's cocoa sector may depend on whether the government can move beyond blame-shifting and deliver concrete support that ensures both the financial survival and the long-term dignity of the nation's most vital agricultural workforce.

Ghana and Burkina Faso Forge Strategic Security and Trade Alliances Following Tragic Titao Attack
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Ghana and Burkina Faso Forge Strategic Security and Trade Alliances Following Tragic Titao Attack

Ghana and Burkina Faso have entered into a series of comprehensive bilateral agreements aimed at bolstering security and economic cooperation following a devastating extremist attack in Titao, Burkina Faso, which claimed the lives of eight Ghanaian nationals. Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa announced the new measures, emphasizing the urgent need for a unified front against the rising tide of terrorism in the West African sub-region. The agreements represent a significant shift in diplomatic relations, prioritizing the safety of citizens and the stability of vital trade corridors between the two nations following the loss of the eight traders. Central to the new framework is the mutual recognition of driver’s licenses, a move designed to streamline trade and ease the movement of goods along the crucial Tema–Ouagadougou corridor. Beyond logistics, the two countries have committed to a joint security framework focused on enhanced intelligence sharing and coordinated counter-terrorism operations. These protocols are complemented by agreements on improved border management, disaster preparedness, and collaborative efforts to combat illicit drug trafficking. Minister Ablakwa noted that both governments are determined to prevent the region from becoming a sanctuary for extremists, expressing gratitude for Burkina Faso’s swift emergency response in aiding injured Ghanaians following the assault. However, the tragedy has sparked significant political friction within Ghana. The Convention People’s Party (CPP), through Communications Director Oseo Kofi Acquah, has threatened to declare the Burkinabe Ambassador, David Kabre, persona non grata unless concrete guarantees for the safety of Ghanaian traders are provided. Domestically, the government’s response has also come under fire; Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, a Member of Parliament, publicly clashed with presidential staffer Bridget Otoo over perceived celebrations at the Jubilee House during the national period of mourning. These tensions highlight a growing public demand for accountability and more robust protection for those operating in volatile border regions. As the diplomatic process continues, the broader implications of these attacks on regional stability remain a focal point of national discourse. Media discussions have begun exploring the legal and human consequences of the violence alongside recent judicial rulings affecting governance. With the Ghana–Burkina Faso trade route serving as a lifeline for many, the successful implementation of these bilateral agreements is seen as critical not only for national security but also for the economic survival of thousands of traders who navigate the increasingly dangerous Sahelian landscape.

ECOWAS Bolsters Maritime Security in Accra as Ghana Navigates Domestic Political Shifts and Regional Diplomatic Ties
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ECOWAS Bolsters Maritime Security in Accra as Ghana Navigates Domestic Political Shifts and Regional Diplomatic Ties

The West African sub-region is intensifying its focus on maritime security and infrastructure development following a series of high-level meetings and diplomatic engagements. In Accra, the 5th Ordinary Meeting of the ECOWAS Sub-Committee of Chiefs of Naval Staff convened to establish a formal legal status for personnel at maritime centers and enhance the security architecture of the Gulf of Guinea. Dr. Abdel-Fatau Musah, ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, emphasized the critical need for regional cooperation to protect trade routes and address security threats across the maritime domain. This regional push is complemented by a renewed partnership between Nigeria and Germany; President Bola Tinubu and Chancellor Friedrich Merz recently discussed reviving a stalled Siemens electricity project, with Deutsche Bank ready to finance the upgrade of Nigeria’s power transmission network alongside new security collaborations in the Sahel. On the domestic front in Ghana, political leadership and grassroots movements are shaping the national discourse. The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, recently hosted a delegation from the Assemblies of God Church, where he was commended for his role in Ghana’s digital transformation. Meanwhile, Akwasi Opong-Fosu, Chairman of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), received the Exemplary Leadership Award in Mumbai, dedicating the honor to former President John Dramani Mahama while advocating for ethical governance. These highlights of institutional success contrast with emerging internal party friction in the Ayawaso East constituency. Longtime NDC member Alhaji Umar Sanda Mohammed has resigned from the party to contest the upcoming by-election as an independent candidate, citing the heavy monetization of the primary system and a desire for more genuine community representation. While West Africa focuses on growth and security, other parts of the continent face significant governance and environmental challenges. In Tunisia, the sentencing of lawmaker Ahmed Saidani to eight months in prison for mocking President Kais Saied has sparked concerns about a growing crackdown on dissent and freedom of expression. Concurrently, South Africa has declared a national disaster due to a severe foot-and-mouth disease outbreak. Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen is overseeing a strategy to procure a million vaccines from Argentina to save cattle herds across eight provinces, highlighting the vulnerability of the region's agricultural economy to biological crises and government response speeds. Beyond the continent, international political developments continue to resonate. Donald Trump recently announced a $7 billion Gaza relief package contributed by a coalition of nations including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE, though reconstruction remains contingent on the disarmament of Hamas. In the United Kingdom, the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor in connection with the Epstein files marks a significant turn in a long-running international investigation. These global events, ranging from humanitarian pledges to high-profile legal actions, underscore a volatile international political climate that continues to influence diplomatic priorities and domestic policies across Africa.

Ghanaian Authorities Signal Strict Enforcement Against Teacher Assaults, Educational Non-Compliance, and Cybercrime
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Ghanaian Authorities Signal Strict Enforcement Against Teacher Assaults, Educational Non-Compliance, and Cybercrime

The Ghanaian government has issued a series of stern warnings and enforcement directives aimed at safeguarding public servants and upholding institutional integrity across the education and social sectors. The Ministry of Education has declared a zero-tolerance policy regarding assaults on teachers, warning that any student or individual who attacks an educator will face severe legal consequences. This move follows a rise in violent incidents, including a recent case in Kade where students were prosecuted and fined for assaulting a teacher. Simultaneously, the Ghana Tertiary Education Council (GTEC) has demonstrated its commitment to academic standards by shutting down the Royal Nursing College in Tafo Nyhiaeso for operating without proper accreditation, leading to the arrest of the institution's proprietress to protect over 800 enrolled students. In the realm of digital safety and human rights, the government is aggressively pursuing a Russian national accused of recording and disseminating intimate images of Ghanaian women without their consent. Minister of Communications Samuel Nartey George revealed that the suspect monetized this content via cryptocurrency, prompting the Cyber Security Authority to coordinate with INTERPOL for an international arrest warrant despite the absence of an extradition treaty with Russia. Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey expressed grave concern over the mental health of the victims, noting that some have experienced suicidal thoughts. She emphasized that the Ministry has deployed clinical professionals to provide psychological support and warned the public that sharing such illegal material is a prosecutable offense under the Cyber Security Act of 2020. Complementing these enforcement efforts, Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has challenged women in government and media to resist intimidation and assert their leadership roles to shape the nation's future. This call for empowerment comes as the Gender Ministry also manages sensitive social welfare cases, including the successful rescue of a one-day-old baby abandoned in Elmina. The infant is currently stable and under the care of the Department of Social Welfare while police investigations continue. Furthermore, the education sector faced scrutiny over historical content, with Aki-Ola Publications defending its Social Studies textbooks against claims by MP Edem Agbana that they glorify colonialism, explaining that the content was aligned with the national curriculum approved fifteen years ago. These collective actions reflect a broader governmental push toward accountability, the rule of law, and the protection of vulnerable populations. Whether addressing physical violence in schools, fraudulent educational institutions, or the emerging threats of cyber-exploitation, the state is signaling that violations of rights and regulations will be met with decisive intervention. As the government continues to collaborate with law enforcement and international bodies like INTERPOL, the focus remains on fostering a safe environment for educators and citizens alike, while ensuring that both public and private institutions adhere strictly to national standards and ethical mandates.

Government Faces Scrutiny Amid Petroleum Contract Extensions and Ambitious Sectoral Reforms
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Government Faces Scrutiny Amid Petroleum Contract Extensions and Ambitious Sectoral Reforms

The Ghanaian government is navigating a complex landscape of parliamentary debate and industry scrutiny as it pushes for long-term stability across the energy, housing, and industrial sectors. At the forefront of recent political tension is the Minority Caucus’s vocal opposition to Parliament’s approval of petroleum agreement extensions for the West Cape Three Points (WCTP) and Deepwater Tano (DWT) blocks. Led by Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the Minority expressed concern that extending these contracts to 2040—well ahead of their original 2034 and 2036 expiry dates—weakens the nation’s future negotiating leverage. While the government defends the move as necessary to secure a US$2 billion investment plan for production stability, the Minority warns that such early renewals could sacrifice fiscal transparency and long-term strategic oversight for short-term gains. Simultaneously, the energy sector is facing internal pressure from the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC) and the Ghana Chamber of Bulk Oil Distributors (CBOD) over the alleged diversion of funds from the LPG Fund to the Ghana Cylinder Manufacturing Company (GCMC). The associations argue this move breaches statutory mandates and could lead to increased consumer prices and reduced supply. Amidst these challenges, Energy Minister Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor has been engaging in constructive talks with Cenpower Generation Company Limited, emphasizing the vital role of public-private partnerships and fiscal discipline in ensuring a reliable national power supply. These discussions highlight the government's broader strategy to stabilize the energy grid through collaborative investment rather than ad-hoc fund reallocations. In the realm of infrastructure and social development, the Minister for Works and Housing, Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, has moved to address the nationwide water crisis, attributing current shortages to historical structural problems. He assured residents, particularly in Teshie-Nungua, that ongoing repairs to treatment plants will soon restore consistent service. This push for infrastructure reliability is echoed by the Ghana Real Estate Developers Association (GREDA), which is calling for the establishment of a National Housing Authority and Fund. GREDA's Executive Secretary, Samuel Amegayibor, noted that despite a rise in dwelling units, 1.3 million remain unoccupied due to high costs, urging for professional rather than political management of housing policies to resolve the 2021 housing deficit. To support these development goals, the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has announced an ambitious domestic revenue mobilization plan. Commissioner-General Anthony Kwasi Sarpong revealed a target of GH¢360 billion by 2028, bolstered by the implementation of the Physical and Electronic Devices Act to automate VAT compliance. However, the government’s efforts to maintain institutional integrity are being tested by social media allegations of partisan hiring. Julius Neequaye Kotey, CEO of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), recently refuted claims that he offered job positions to individuals affiliated with the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Loyal Ladies, labeling the accusations as a coordinated attack on his character. As the government attempts to modernize agriculture through Turkish scholarships and streamline the textile industry via TradeMark Africa partnerships, it remains caught between achieving rapid industrialization and maintaining the transparency demanded by both the Minority and private sector stakeholders.

Ghana’s Parliament Clashes Over Security Lapses and Intelligence Overhaul Following Burkina Faso Killings
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Ghana’s Parliament Clashes Over Security Lapses and Intelligence Overhaul Following Burkina Faso Killings

Ghana’s Parliament has been gripped by intense debate and partisan friction following a tragic terrorist attack in Burkina Faso that claimed the lives of eight Ghanaian tomato traders. The incident, which occurred on February 14, has sparked a wave of criticism regarding the state’s security preparedness and cross-border safety protocols. Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, the Member of Parliament for Assin South, led the charge by condemning the government’s failure to issue timely travel advisories. He argued that the risks in the Sahel region were well-documented and that proactive communication could have prevented the loss of life, calling for a thorough review of the nation's travel warning system and enhanced regional cooperation. The parliamentary session grew increasingly contentious as lawmakers traded blame over the underlying causes that forced traders into high-risk areas. Samuel Atta Mills, an NDC Member of Parliament, sparked an uproar when he linked the tragedy to the government's failure to complete the Pwalugu irrigation dam project, asserting that local agricultural investment would have eliminated the need for traders to source tomatoes from Burkina Faso. This prompted sharp rebukes from the Majority, who accused the opposition of politicizing a national tragedy. In response to the heated environment, First Deputy Speaker Bernard Ahiafor urged restraint and diplomacy, reminding members to prioritize the grief of the bereaved families and the complexities of international security over partisan gains. Simultaneously, the legislative body is deliberating a significant overhaul of the nation's security architecture through the Security and Intelligence Agencies Bill. Introduced by Interior Minister Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka, the bill proposes renaming the National Investigations Bureau (NIB) back to the Bureau of National Intelligence (BNI) to resolve public confusion with the National Investment Bank. More controversially, the bill seeks to abolish the Ministry for National Security and consolidate oversight directly under the Presidency. While the Majority defends these reforms as essential for streamlining intelligence operations and meeting international standards, the Minority has raised alarms over the potential for excessive power centralization and a lack of parliamentary accountability. Amidst these high-level security debates, the human element of the tragedy also surfaced through the experience of Millicent Amankwaah, the MP for Sunyani West. Following a speech addressing the killings, Amankwaah faced social media mockery for a linguistic slip regarding the word "bereaved." She defended her credibility by highlighting her academic record at KNUST and asserting her strength as a young politician, refusing to let a minor error overshadow the gravity of the situation. As Parliament moves forward, the focus remains on the proposed formal inquiry into the Burkina Faso attack and the finalization of security reforms intended to safeguard Ghanaian citizens both at home and abroad.

Ghana Navigates Cocoa Sector Crisis: COCOBOD Faces GH¢32.9bn Debt Amid Price Slumps and Reform Calls
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Ghana Navigates Cocoa Sector Crisis: COCOBOD Faces GH¢32.9bn Debt Amid Price Slumps and Reform Calls

Ghana's cocoa sector is at a critical crossroads as the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Majority Caucus reveals that the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) entered 2025 burdened by a staggering GH¢32.9 billion debt. This financial strain coincides with a sharp reduction in cocoa farmgate prices, which plummeted from GH¢3,625 to GH¢2,587 per bag following a 76% drop in global market prices between early 2025 and February 2026. In response, the government has announced a sweeping series of reforms, including a planned GH¢30 billion domestic syndicated bond and new legislation designed to restore the sector's financial health and long-term sustainability. Finance Committee Chairman Isaac Adongo has attributed the board's current state to systemic mismanagement by the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration. Adongo and other officials, including Dr. Peter Boamah Otokunor, highlighted operational inefficiencies such as the accumulation of thousands of uncleared jute sacks at ports and excessive borrowing that caused COCOBOD's liabilities to exceed its assets. To mitigate this, the government has already cleared GH¢3.4 billion in loans and plans to convert GH¢5.8 billion of legacy debt into equity. Furthermore, the proposed reforms aim to restrict COCOBOD to its core mandates, stripping away non-essential activities that have historically drained the board's resources. The price adjustments have sparked localized unrest, most notably a protest in Sefwi-Wiawso on February 19, 2026, where farmers expressed fears that the current pricing makes the industry unprofitable. However, the legitimacy of these demonstrations has been questioned by government officials. Deputy Minister Samson Ahi characterized the protests as "politically engineered," while reports emerged of non-farmers being paid GH¢250 to participate. Despite the political friction, the Member of Parliament for Sefwi Wiawso, Aful Benteh Kofi, has urged farmers to remain patient, emphasizing that the price volatility is a direct result of international market realities rather than a lack of government commitment. Looking ahead, the government is drafting a legislative proposal to introduce a dynamic pricing system. This mechanism is intended to align farmgate prices more closely with global market trends, ensuring that Ghanaian farmers can benefit from price surges while maintaining a safety net during downturns. Beyond pricing, the state is shifting focus toward domestic processing and value addition to reduce vulnerability to international market shocks. While the NDC Majority has rejected calls from the Minority for an emergency bailout—labeling further debt-financed solutions as imprudent—the successful issuance of the GH¢30 billion domestic bond is viewed as the primary vehicle for stabilizing the industry and securing the livelihoods of rural cocoa farmers.

The image shows the front cover of the 'Aki-Ola Series' Social Studies textbook for Junior High Schools (Forms 1-3). It features a collage of three photos: a waterfall, the Independence Arch in Accra with the 'Freedom and Justice' motto, and a traditional Ghanaian ceremony with people dressed in kente cloth.
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Ghana National Affairs: Government Addresses Security, Education, and Personnel Welfare Concerns

The Ghanaian government and various national authorities are currently managing a series of critical security, financial, and educational developments aimed at ensuring national stability and citizen welfare. Most prominently, the National Service Authority (NSA) has officially pledged to clear all outstanding personnel allowances by the end of this week, following delays caused by essential verification processes conducted by the Ghana Interbank Payment and Settlement Systems Limited (GhIPSS). Simultaneously, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is coordinating the medical evacuation of survivors from a tragic jihadist attack in Titao, Burkina Faso, which claimed the lives of eight Ghanaian tomato traders. Following a directive from President John Dramani Mahama, the Ghana Airforce will lead the operation, while the government has issued new travel guidelines for high-risk regions to prevent further casualties. In the realm of educational and regulatory reform, Member of Parliament for Ketu North, Eric Edem Agbana, has announced plans to petition the Ghana Education Service (GES) for a review of Social Studies textbooks in the Aki-Ola Series. Agbana alleges that the materials provide a misleading portrayal of Ghana's colonial history by emphasizing the benefits of foreign rule while ignoring historical brutalities. Meanwhile, the Advertising Association of Ghana (AAG) is demanding greater transparency and a structured framework for the ongoing billboard demolition exercise in Accra and Kumasi. While the AAG supports urban safety, they have criticized the lack of stakeholder consultation and warned that sudden enforcement actions could severely damage legitimate local businesses. On the legal and social advocacy front, the Adabraka District Court has granted bail of GH¢30,000 each to Joseph Donkor and Eric Tawiah Annang, who are accused of damaging a tombstone at the Osu Cemetery during an alleged illegal grave-digging attempt. The case, which has drawn attention to cemetery security, is set to resume in March 2026. Complementing these developments, health insurance advocate Princess Osisiadan-Quaye is championing a nationwide shift toward universal coverage to protect informal sector workers from financial ruin during medical emergencies. Collectively, these events underscore a period of intense institutional activity as Ghana navigates complex challenges across the sectors of security, education, commerce, and public health.

Shaun West Shaun West in a pink shirt and spectacles
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Global Political Turmoil: Peru’s Impeachment, Philippine Ambitions, and UK Travel Restrictions

The global political landscape is undergoing significant transformation as Peru grapples with executive instability, the Philippines anticipates a high-stakes presidential succession, and the United Kingdom tightens its borders for dual nationals. In Peru, the political climate remains volatile following the impeachment of interim President José Jerí, who held office for only four months. The decision by Peru’s Congress reflects ongoing struggles with governance, as Jerí becomes the third consecutive president to be ousted. His removal followed allegations of influence-peddling and hidden interests, specifically regarding undisclosed meetings with Chinese businessman Zhihua Yang. Despite his public apologies and denials of wrongdoing, Jerí’s falling approval ratings and the mounting pressure from legislative opponents led to a decisive vote against him, leaving the nation in a state of flux as it prepares for a general election in April. Simultaneously, in the Philippines, Vice President Sara Duterte has officially declared her intention to run for the presidency in the 2028 elections, signaling a definitive end to her alliance with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. This announcement comes amid an intensifying power struggle between the two political dynasties, further strained by President Marcos's decision to allow the International Criminal Court to investigate former President Rodrigo Duterte. While the Duterte family maintains a strong political foothold in their home region and recently celebrated victories in mid-term elections, the Vice President faces her own legal hurdles, including an impeachment complaint regarding alleged corruption. Her candidacy promises to center on her family’s controversial political legacy and her reputation for a tough leadership style. Beyond leadership disputes, administrative changes in the United Kingdom are creating immediate challenges for dual nationals residing in the country. New passport regulations, set to take effect on February 25, will require dual citizens to possess either a British passport or a specific digital certificate of entitlement to re-enter the UK. This policy shift invalidates the previous practice of entering on foreign passports alone, a change that has left many long-term residents, such as British-Latvian dual national Jelena, scrambling for documentation. Critics and immigration campaigners have voiced frustration over a lack of clear communication from the government, warning that thousands of citizens could find themselves stranded abroad if the implementation of these reforms is not addressed with more transparency and support. These developments across three continents underscore a broader trend of institutional friction and the complexities of modern governance. Whether through the legislative removal of a leader in Lima, the strategic maneuvering of a political scion in Manila, or the tightening of immigration protocols in London, the upcoming months will be critical for these nations. The outcomes of Peru’s impending elections, the progression of the Marcos-Duterte rivalry, and the resolution of the UK's passport crisis will determine the stability and civil rights of millions of people worldwide.